In preparation for the 2017/2018 cyclone season, PIROI held in Mayotte from 17-19 November a capacity-building training course for water treatment in emergency situations.
In preparation for the 2017/2018 cyclone season, PIROI held in Mayotte from 17-19 November a capacity-building training course for water treatment in emergency situations.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is one of the priority areas for emergency response. The French Red Cross-PIROI and aid organisation Aquassistance* worked hand-in-hand on this issue to support PIROI’s network of active members in Mayotte and organise a pre-rainy season training course specific to water treatment. This course is part of the capacity-building response strategy of PIROI programme members.
The 3-day course consisted of one day focusing on the theory of water production in emergency situations, followed by two days of practical application. The 13 participants, who were supervised by three instructors from Aquassistance as well as a PIROI team member, were able to practice putting together and starting water treatment lines under real conditions.
Although most trainees were volunteers from the Mayotte Red Cross local delegation, the course also included delegates from Mayotte’s water utility company SMAE, the Inter-municipal Water and Sanitation Syndicate of Mayotte (SIEAM), the Directorate for Environment, Planning Development & Housing (DEAL), the Regional Public Health Authority (ARS), and the Inter-ministerial Department for Defence and Civil Protection (SIDPC).
This mix of participants helped encourage experience sharing and strengthen cooperation between various agencies.
*Aquassistance is an aid organisation of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Group staff who volunteer to bring assistance to populations in need, either on the ground or via remote access, in the sectors of water, sanitation, and waste management.